§ 45. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation in what circumstances zebra crossings are sited across by-passes carrying fast-moving traffic; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NugentWe are not, as a general rule, prepared to approve the installation of zebra crossings on roads carrying fast-moving traffic, where they may induce a dangerously false sense of security.
§ Mr. GowerIs there not a good deal of evidence that some zebra crossings tend to defeat the objects for which the bypasses were first designed? Is not it a fact, as my hon. Friend has indicated, that the tendency of pedestrians to regard these crossings as absolutely safe is in itself a danger on such roads?
§ Mr. NugentWe do not normally site zebra crossings on unrestricted roads.
§ 46. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will take steps to ensure, in all cases, specially bright illumination at zebra crossings.
§ Mr. WatkinsonAs a road safety measure, my Department is considering means of providing better illumination of pedestrians about to step on to crossings in poorly lit streets.
§ Mr. GowerWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for that Answer, may I ask whether he will pay particular attention to the great differences which occur in different parts of the country both in the quality and quantity of the lighting?
§ Mr. WatkinsonYes, certainly.
§ Mr. IsaacsMay I ask the Minister whether, in giving consideration to the question of better lighting on crossings, attention will be given to keeping clear the lower half of the amber bowl so that the light will go down on the crossing at the foot of the post?
§ Mr. WatkinsonWhat we are trying to do is to fit a small auxiliary light at the foot of the beacon so that it shines on the crossing, but that is only in the experimental stage.